Limited to 1,000 and struck in 99.9% pure silver to collector proof quality, the silver coin’s designs are struck on concave surfaces to maximize their details. The reverse, created by Ing Ing Jong, depicts the white tiger, black tortoise, azure dragon, and vermilion bird.

"According to ancient Chinese mythology, the universe was divided into four quadrants marking the beginning and end of the winter and summer solstices, and the autumn and spring equinoxes," describes the Perth Mint. "These heavenly quadrants were known as the ‘Four Celestial Palaces’, with each palace represented by a guardian animal with a corresponding color, element, and virtue."

This collectible is issued by the Perth Mint as legal tender under the authority of the government of Tuvalu. As such, obverses offer Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Her Majesty Queen and include inscriptions of ELIZABETH II, FIVE DOLLARS, TUVALU, 2015, and 5OZ 999 SILVER.

The coin weighs 155.673 grams, has a diameter of 50.60 millimeters and a thickness of 12.50 millimeters.

Ordering

Priced at AUS $440.91, or US $342.02, the 2015 Chinese Ancient Mythical Creatures High Relief 5 Oz. Silver Proof Coin is available from the Perth Mint website at www.perthmint.com.au, or use the following affiliate to visit the coin’s product page.

Each coin arrives in a black presentation box within an illustrated shipper, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.